The rookie mayor gaveled the meeting to order on time at 10 a.m. New City Clerk Susana Mendoza took the roll call, the first time a woman has done so in council history.

Powerful Ald. Edward Burke offered remarks welcoming Emanuel, touching on the history of the City Council and its chambers. "Today, Mr. President, we're proud to say (this room) is also your home," Burke, 14th, told Emanuel.